Paths to the Present - Essay Example

How past helps in making present and future rich and refreshing, it is evident in the interesting study of Judy Morley’s book Historic Preservation and the Imagined West. She peeps in some of the most favorite places of the US and shows how beautifully past has been protected and preserved there. In her book, Judy Morley aptly describes the importance of historic preservation, its effects on urban life and on tourism. She names three cities that have been historically preserved and how a little planning has changed the very soul of these cities. The places in the cities Denver, Seattle, and Albuquerque have been historically preserved in order to attract the tourists and to enhance the sense of historic back ground among the citizens. In her subtle description of these cities, Judy Morley elaborates the way the West has promoted and presented its imagined past leaving behind all the complexities it had in reality. After an intensive research, Morley describes how these historic places were originally used and how the West has renovated and presented them. Morley systematically discusses the reality of these preserved places and the imagination used to present them. She discusses all the social, urban, political and economic effects behind this idea of preserving the past. But whatever is the reality, Morley believes that this preservation has served as a mesmerizing history to the people, something they can be proud of. Morley’s ideas are simple and concise. She describes that major concern of the West is to preserve historical places to attract tourists no matter what price is to be paid in return. Moreover she ironically adds that if a historical place does not come up with the expectations of the visitors, history can be re written and adapted too. The thought of preserving the Lower Down Town District in Denver was established in 1988. This revitalized city became a great attraction for the tourists and the locals at the same time. The intention was to protect the rich culture, heritage and architecture of the city. A city that had such glamorous past remained untouched by the harms of time by this planning of preservation. It was a novel idea and there was a proper planning behind it. By 1960s and 70s most of the buildings were renovated and there was a zoning ordinance which restricted the building height limitations. Other than that, rehabilitation of the old buildings was also in the project. Originally this idea was anticipated by a group of local property owners who decided to join hands with a marketing company the District Collaborative to revitalize the mesmerizing past of the place. Resultantly, a large number of men and women got involved in the activity of making every bit of the place a memorable reflection of their rich past. The importance of neighborhood was deeply emphasized and encouraged. Today, the Lower Downtown District of Denver is one of the most visiting places of the world that offers a glimpse to its glorious past. The Lower Downtown District looks so antique that one can sense the aroma of past while walking in the streets and bazaars. Time runs backwards in the old town Plaza of Albuquerque where people escape from the heavy traffic and congestion of the city. Since the city was once a Spanish colony, one can see that the Spanish heritage is deeply rooted in the culture of the city. Spanish governor of the New Mexico city Francisco Cuervoy Valdes officially named the place as the Villa de Albuquerque. The plaza was built by following the Spanish rules that a villa had to have a plaza in its centre and government offices, church and homes all around it. Following the Spanish tradition, all around the plaza are located ten blocks of the historical buildings to enrich the feel of the past. The San Felipe de Neri Church is also located at the north of the plaza. Other than that people have also built their houses, shops and other important offices within and all around that historical block of buildings. The church is the oldest building of the city. Interestingly, many of these buildings have been shifted into art galleries and the plaza itself is preserved as a museum. In the plaza one can find different types of museum to attract a great variety of people like national atomic, natural history and science and children’s museums. In short, today this city is a beautiful amalgamation of the past Mexican and Spanish traditions and culture. There are many eye catching sights that hold the onlooker’s breathe. There is also a road that connects the New Mexico city to the old one. The Spanish style long porches and the benches built at the ending rows of the porches give an antique look to the city. The benches offer a perfect relaxing place for the tired walkers to retreat. The plaza is the most happening place in all Albuquerque. Albuquerque is the largest city of New Mexico. Recently, with the fast growing population of the city many historical buildings had to be demolished in order to make room for new avenues, malls and plazas. But this centralized part of the city has been preserved as before. The population of Albuquerque is increasing rapidly and is expected to reach at 1 million by 2020. The need of the hour is to save the old heritage of the city and preserve the golden past. With the mushroom like growth of the population, this old neighborhood needs even more attention and care. Seattle’s second oldest neighborhood the Pioneer Square has another interesting story to tell. It actually tells the history of how the white settlers entered and settled down there. In the beginning they stayed at the western part of Seattle but intense cold forced them to move to the Pioneer Square, the now preserved area. Seattle is rich in culture and famous for food, shopping and fun. It is said that Seattle wakes up at night to its fullest. All kinds of spicy foods, live music, dance and much more is the happening of the city. Talking particularly about the Pioneer Square, one can easily get a glimpse of past by peeping into this place. Regrettably, the Pioneer Square could not stand the horrible fire of 1889 and very little architecture is left after that. But the authorities successfully saved the rest and shifted the burnt area into long streets for walking. Seattle is famous for being a gate way to Alaska and for gold mining. During late 70s and early 80s, preservation of the historic places became the first priority of Seattle authorities. To begin with, the Pioneer Square came at the top of this list. Most of its historic buildings were protected and preserved to let the people have a deep look of the past. This 90 acre historic place has made itself a distinction for being rich in art, culture and fun. One can find book stores, antique shops, art galleries, museum, night clubs, restaurants, and coffee shops. Briefly, there is everything for everyone. By discussing these historic places, Morley explains that how planning helps in changing the very soul of a certain place. It changes the very attitude and the mindset of the people living around that place. Ironically, in the Old Town Albuquerque, Hispanic heritage is vividly celebrated by in reality many Hispanics had to be displaced in order to preserve the place. Same is the case with most of the historical places but politically it is fair and people get used to it when they see economic boom in the form of tourists. In a nut shell, the book presents a detailed study of preservation of historical places and the politics attached to it. References http://www.lodo.org/ld-history.htm Read More